Barrier 2:

Barrier 2:

Reluctance to seek help

Reluctance to seek help

Most people with obesity (PwO) view weight loss as solely their responsibility, which may prevent them from seeking help1

Most people with obesity and health care professionals believe obesity is a disease, and many view it as serious, or more serious, than many other health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.

Despite viewing obesity as a disease, most people with obesity don’t approach it as they would other chronic diseases.

Despite viewing obesity as a disease, most people with obesity don’t approach it as they would other chronic diseases.

Views on personal responsibility for weight loss1

Even though people with obesity consider obesity a disease, most view weight loss to be completely their own responsibility. However, most health care professionals reported that they have a responsibility to actively contribute to their patients’ weight loss.

Differing perspectives: Top reasons why people with obesity don’t seek weight loss help from their health care professional1

The impact of weight on future health1

People with obesity and health care professionals have different levels of concern when it comes to how a person’s weight affects future health.

The bottom line: Reluctance to seek help

Despite general consensus that obesity is a disease, there is a strong belief held by people with obesity that weight loss is their own responsibility. Combined with their relatively low concern about impact of weight on future health, this may contribute to their not seeking medical care for their disease.